Control system for article feeding apparatus



May 19, 1964 D. HEYER CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICLE FEEDING APPARATUS Filed April 5. 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. 00 #54 59 B 613 a. web-ea May 19, 1964 HEYER CONTRQL SYSTEM FOR ARTICLE FEEDING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 3, 1961 INVEN TOR. Lav #54 5? vIll,

y 9, 1964 D. HEYER 3,133,670

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICLE FEEDING APPARATUS Filed April 3. 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. 001V #54 59 @Wa/W fiTTOPA/EQ United States Pat ent 3,133,670 CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICLE FEEDING APPARATUS Don Heyer, 1012 N. Norman Place, Fullerton, Calif. Filed Apr. 3,1961, Ser. No. 100,413 7 Claims. (Cl. 2219) This invention relates to apparatus for feeding articles, for example, to a packaging machine or to a given location or apparatus where the articles are to be handled or treated as desired.

It is an object of this invention to provide novel and efficient control means for article feeding apparatus which will render the apparatus operable to feed a single article or a predetermined greater number of articles at intervals, depending upon the setting of the apparatus, to a packaging machine or any other machine for treating the articles, with the packaging machine or other machine, as the case may be, synchronized with the feeding apparatus; and wherein the control means prevents release of articles from the feeding apparatus in the event the one article or any one of the predetermined number thereof is not in a predetermined position preliminary to the release of such articles.

It is another object of this invention to provide in article feeding apparatus such as next above described, control means that will stop and start the operation of the machine synchronized with the article feeding apparatus coincident with the stopping and starting of operation of the article feeding apparatus.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved control means for article feeding apparatus such as described that will automatically coun and position for release, a predetermined number of articles, for example, from one to five or more articles, in such a manner that the release of such articles in the selected predetermined number will be halted unless the one article or each one of the selected number is disposed in a predetermined position in the feeding apparatus; With this control it is assured that each feed of articles from the apparatus will include the exact number predetermined, thereby making it unnecessary for an operator or attendant to ascertain visually that the feeding apparatus is functioning as desired.

A further and more specific object hereof is the provision of a control means for article feed apparatus which may include a chute arranged to gravitationally feed articles to a packaging machine or to a machine or means for otherwise treating the articles, and wherein the control means may be adjusted to provide for an accurate timed feeding of one article at a time or a predetermined greater number of articles as a group, with each operation, provided the one article or predetermined number of articles reach a predetermined position in the chute. In the event the single article or any one of the group of the predetermined number is not in the designated position in the chute, the control means will automatically stop operation of the packaging machine or other apparatus and prevent release of the articles from the chute.

An additional object of this invention is to provide control means for article feeding means such as de-. scribed which includes novel means for automatically maintaining a predetermined storage supply of articles in the article discharge chute in addition to the predetermined number of articles disposed in position to be released from the chute.

It is another object to provide for the objective next above specified through the medium of a novel form of hopper containing a generous supply of articles and operable to feed articles into the feed chute, there being associated with the hopper novel feed control means which functions in cooperation with the feed chute in response to the presence of one of the articles of the storage supply in the chute being disposed at a predeterrnined top position, that is, the position which determines that the chute is filled to desired storage capacity, to stop operation in the hopper and the feed therefrom into the chute. With this control, each time the key article in the aforesaid top or chute-filled position is advanced in the chute from that position, the hopper will feed an'additional article into the chute, thereby maintaining an adequate supply stored in the chute at all times.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide in article feeding apparatus such as, described, a novel actuator for the hopper which causes the feed of articles into the feed chute.

A more specific object of this invention is the provision of a novel and highly efficient feed control system which readily may be incorporated with known article feeding apparatus of the type comprising an inclined feed chute or other means for advancing a plurality of separate articles in a row along a path of given length to a position where one or more of the articles may be discharged, for example, into a packaging machine arranged to operate in timed relation to the discharge of the articles so that a predetermined number of articles will be packaged as intended.

In this known feed apparatus there are provided a first stop means and a second stop means spaced from one another along the path of advance of articles a distance considerably less than the length of this path, the first stop means controlling the discharge of articles from the advancingmeans and. the second stop means controlling the advance of articles between the two stop means. With this arrangement there is provided between the two stop means what may be termed a counting space that will contain a predetermined number of articles, there being provision for adjusting at least one of the stop means to vary the capacity of this space. The first stop means is normally in a position to prevent discharge of articles while the second stop means is normally in a position clear of the path of advance of articles into the count: ing space between the two stop means. The two stop means are moved from their normal positions and back into normal positions by a timed actuating means operating at predetermined intervals and in most cases, in synchronism with the operation of the packaging machine or other machine associated with the feeding apparatus.

Control of the operation of the two stop means is alforded by the novel feed system provided in accordance with this invention and which includes electrically responsive elements and circuits therefor, wherein certain of the electrical elements operate in response to the presence of a predetermined number of articles in an exact predetermined position or positions in the counting space between the stop means. This response of the certain electrical elements causes the timed actuating means for the two stop means to move the second stop means into the path of advance of the articles and at the same time move the first stop means into a position permitting discharge of the articles, for example, into the packaging machine. In this way a predetermined number of articles is discharged into the packaging machine with each feeding operation, and following this discharge of articles, electrical elements of the feed control system operate to render the timed actuating means for the two stop means operable to restore the first stop means to dis-. charge preventing position and to retract the second stop means from the path of advance of the articles whereby another predetermined number of articles will advance into the counting space between the two stop means.

These operations are repeated at intervals as a function of the timed operating means and the presence and absence of the predetermined number of articles with respect to exact positions in the counting space. Upon the failure of any one or more articles of the predetermined number to occupy an exact predetermined position in the counting space, the control means will stop the operation of the feeding apparatus so as to prevent discharge of the articles and at the same time stop the operation of the associated packaging machine or other machine, as the case may be.

It is another and more specific object of this invention to provide novel feed control means such as next above described which may include a self-feeding and novel form of hopper means that operates automatically to maintain an adequate storage supply of articles in the main feed chute or article advancing means whereby the feeding operation to the associated packaging machine or other machine may be accurately continued over long periods of time as a result of originally depositing a generous supply of the articles in the hopper means. This hopper means is a part of the overall feed means or system for advancing the articles and discharging them as aforementioned, and includes an automatic control which stops and starts the feed into the main feed chute as a function of the absence and presence of one of the articles with respect to a predetermined location in the main feed chute. When an article is disposed at that location, the main chute contains a generous specified number of articles in storage subject to being advanced into the counting space between the two stop means. Each time an article advances from that particular location, the con trol means for the hopper causes the latter to feed another article into the main chute, thereby maintaining the chute amply supplied with the articles to assure repeated article feeding operations from the main chute for sustained periods of time.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be hereinafter described or will become apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel features of the invention will be defined in the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of apparatus embodying the present invention as associated with a packaging machine, portions of the apparatus being shown in section;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of that portion of the apparatus disposed between the lines 3-3 of FIG. 1, with parts broken away for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on the line 4--4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 55 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 66 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken on the line 99 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatical view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 including the electrical circuits and electrically operated control elements of the apparatus.

The illustrative embodiment of this invention shown in the accompanying drawings includes feed control means generally designated A which in this instance is arranged to control the operation of article feed apparatus B operating in synchronism with article packaging apparatus C. The article feed apparatus B is here shown as operable to deposit screws D into receptacles E in the packaging apparatus C, but it is to be understood that the control means A may be employed for controlling the operation of article feeding apparatus for advancing various types of articles or parts other than screws to packaging machines or to machines of other types or to given work stations where such articles may be treated as desired.

The article feed apparatus B here shown constitutes means for advancing a plurality of like articles, in this case the screws D, to a position where they will be discharged into receptacles E in the packaging apparatus C and for this purpose an inclined feed chute 1 mounted on suitable support means 2 is arranged to gravitationally advance the screws to the position for discharge into the receptacles E.

Hopper means H mounted on a suitable support 3 forms a part of the article advancing means B as it is operable in a manner which will be hereinafter fully described, to feed the screws D therefrom into the chute 1.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the chute 1 is provided with a slot 4 extending from end to end for reception of the screws D so that the heads of the latter will be slidably supported on portions of the chute on opposite sides of the slot while the shanks of the screws hang downwardly in the slot. The upper end of the chute 1 is spaced slightly from the discharge mouth 5 of hopper H and this mouth, as shown in FIG. 2, is provided with a slot 6 corresponding to the slot 4 in the chute 1 and aligned therewith. The feeding action of the hopper is such, as will be hereinafter described, that the screws, before feeding therefrom, will drop into the slot 6 so as to be supported by the screw heads and from that position will be advanced into slot 4 in the chute 1 and will be maintained in substantially the suspended position achieved when in the slot 6.

In order that the screws will be advanced in closely spaced relation in a row in the chute 1 without bunching or being vertically displaced, a hold-down strip 7 is adjustably positioned by means of the adjustable support 7a over the slot close to the heads of the screws, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7.

The packaging apparatus C here shown, includes a conveyor 8 driven in any suitable manner by means not shown, to advance the receptacles B one at a time into position to receive the screws discharged from the chute 1.

In order that the feed control means A be operated in synchronism with the conveyor 8, a drive means operated by the conveyor includes sprockets 9 driven from the conveyor chains 9a and mounted on a shaft 10 arranged to effect a timed operation of a cam operated circuit closer 11 which is spring loaded to bear against a cam 11a, which is driven by the shaft 10.

As it is desired to cause a predetermined number of screws D to be discharged into each receptacle E with each synchronized operation of the advancing means B and packaging apparatus C, stop means S1 and S2 are provided in spaced relation to one another on the chute 1 near the discharge end of the latter to define what may be termed a counting space between the two stop means for reception of a predetermined number of the screws. The two stop means S1 and S2 are longitudinally adjustably supported on the chute 1 by adjustable support means 12 whereby the screw receiving capacity of the space between the two stop means may be varied as desired, for example, to contain one or five or more screws.

Each of the stop means S1 and S2 comprises a fluid pressure operated piston and cylinder unit 13 including a stop plunger 14 which, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, has at its outer end an offset fingerlike stop portion 14a arranged to extend over the slot 4 of the chute 1 into and from the path of advance of the screws D. The lower stop means S1 is disposed close to the outlet end of the slot 4 so that the stop portion 14a thereof is normally in position to engage the head of the lowermost screw D to prevent a discharge of a predetermined number of screws from the chute. The upper stop means S2 is arranged so that the stop portion 14a thereof is normally clear of the path of advance of the screws into the space between the two stop means.

It will now be apparent that when the plunger head 14a of the stop means S1 is retracted from discharge preventing position and the plunger stop portion 14a of the stop means 52 is extended into the path of advance of the screws, a predetermined number of screws will be released so as to discharge into the receptacle E of the packaging apparatus. Following this discharge of a predetermined number of screws from the chute 1, the plunger stop portion 14a of the stop means S1 is moved back into discharge preventing position and the plunger stop portion 14a of the stop means 82 is retracted from position preventing advance of articles toward the discharge end of the chute, thereby permitting a predetermined number of screws to advance into the space between the two stop means so as to be subject to discharge therefrom.

The feed control means A provided in accordance with this invention is operable to control the operation of the stop means S1 and S2 as well as the operation of the packaging machine C so that the presence of each of a predetermined number of screws at an exact position in the space between the two stop means is required before an operation of the stop means will be efiected to cause a discharge of the predetermined number of screws. If one screw in the space between the two stop means S1 and S2 is out of the exact position that it is supposed to occupy, and, of course, if less than the predetermined number of screws is in this space, the control means A renders the stop means inoperable to effect release of the screws, as here provided, by shutting off operation of the packaging apparatus. With this arrangement, the screw feeding means will accurately deposit a predetermined number of screws into each receptacle E with each synchronized operation of the screw feed or advancing means and the packaging apparatus.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 10, it will be seen that the piston and cylinder units 13 of the stop means S1 and S2 are constructed so that normally the stop portions 14a on the plungers 14 are in the full line positions there shown, to prevent discharge of the screws and to permit advance of the screws between the two stop means, respectively. FIG. shows in dot-dash lines the positions of stop portions 14a when screws are being discharged from the chute. In the present instance the piston and cylinder units 13 are operated, as will be apparent with reference to FIG. 10, by compressed air under control of a solenoid operated valve S3, there being air lines S4 and S5 leading to the units 13 from the valve S3, which latter is connected with air lines S6 and S7 leading from a source of compressed air, not shown. Portions of the lines S4 and S5 are flexible to afford adjustment of the stop means S1 and S2 for the purpose hereinbefore noted.-

An electrical circuit is provided for the solenoid valve S3 and includes conductors S8 and S9 leading from this valve to service conductors S10 and S11 connected to a source of supply of alternating current, not shown. The cam operated circuit closer 11 is connected across the conductor SS and operates to repeatedly close and open the circuit for the solenoid valve S3 during the operation of the conveyor 8 of the packaging machine to which the cam operated circuit closer is geared. When this circuit closer closes the circuit for the solenoid operated air valve S3, the latter directs air to the piston and cylinder units 13 of the stop means S1 and S2 so that the plunger stop portion'14a of stop means S1 will be retracted from discharge preventing position and at the same time the plunger stop portion 14a of the stop means S2 will be extended to position to prevent advance of screws into the space between the two stop means.

Since the operation of the cam operated switch 11 depends upon the operation of the conveyor.8 of the packaging apparatus, it will be seen that upon stopping the operation of the packaging apparatus, the cam operated switch 11 will be inoperable to close the circuit for the solenoid valve S3 which therefore will be inoperable to actuate the stop means S1 and S2 for releasing the predetermined number of screws from the chute 1.

It is the function of the feed control means A of this invention to render the cam operated switch 11 operable and inoperable to cause the discharge of the predetermined number of screws according to the presence and absence, respectively, of these screws with reference to exact positions between the two stop means S1 and S2. If any one of the predetermined number of screws is not in its exact position, the feed control means will operate, as will be hereinafter more fully described, to shut down operation of the packaging apparatus and conveyor 8 thereof and therefore stop operation of the cam operated switch 11.

With reference to the operation of the cam operated switch 11, it will be observed in FIG. 10 that the high lobe 11b of the cam 11a will cause the normally open circuit for the solenoid valve S3 to be closed for only such length of time that the plunger stop portion 14a of the stop means S1 will remain in position to release the predetermined number of screws from the chute 1. At this time the stop means S2 is also operated to prevent advance of the screws into the space between the two stop means during the discharge of the predetermined number of screws from the chute 1. A more detailed description of the cam 11a will appear hereinafter, since the functions of the cam best may be described after the following description of the feed control means A.

Referring now to the feed control means A, it will be observed that it includes, as shown in FIGS. 3, 7 and 10, a plurality of light sensitive cells 16 arranged in a row beneath the chute 1 between the stop means S1 and S2. Opposite the cells are a plurality of electric lights 17, arranged one for each cell and supported beneath the chute 1 between the stop means S1 and S2. These cells and lights define the exact positions in the space between the stop means S1 and S2 in which a predetermined number of the screws D must be disposed in order to provide for the discharge of such screws from the chute. The cells 16 control the operation of the feed control means A as well as the operation of the associated packaging machine C. As here shown, five of the light sensitive cells 16 and five electric lights 17 are employed, it being obvious, however, that a greater or lesser number of these cells and lights may be used as desired. Each of the cells 16, as here shown, is enclosed in a suitable housing 18 and connected in an associated control circuit utilizing direct current. A relay 19 in this circuit will be energized each time a ray of light from a light 17 opposite a cell 16 impinges upon that cell. Each of the lights 17 is similarly enclosed in a suitable housing 20. The cells 16 are held in place against the underside of the chute 1 by means of a clamping bar 13a secured in place by adjustable fastenings 18b. Similarly, the lights 17 are held in place by a clamping bar 20a and fastenings 20b. These clamping bars make it possible to properly set the cells 16 and lights 17 or to add or reduce the number thereof.

In order to prevent incidental light from activating the cells 16, they are preferably of the type that will respond only to infrared or similar light, and therefore, the lights 17 are of the type for emitting such infrared rays or similar rays. Moreover, the housing 18 for each cell 16 has a very small light ray inlet opening 180, and the housing 20 for each light has a similar very small light emitting opem'ng 20c whereby a small narrow ray will be emitted so as to pass into and activate the associated cell 16.

The arrangement of the lights 17 and cells 16 is such that when a predetermined number of screws are disposed in the space between the stop means S1 and S2, the shanks of the screws will obstruct the light rays from impinging upon and activating the cells 16.

The circuit for the relay 19 controlled by the light sensitive cells 16 includes a conductor 22 leading from the service line S10 through a main switch 23, a fuse 24 and a potentiometer 25 to a rectifier 26 for providing direct current in the cell-relay circuit. The rectifier 26 is connected to the other service line S11 through a conductor 26a and a suitable condenser 26b. From the rectifier 26, a direct current conductor 27 leads to one side of each cell 16. A conductor 28 connected with the other side of each cell 16 leads to a pair of contacts 29 of the cam operated switch 11, thence to one side of the relay 19. This cell-relay circuit is completed by a conductor 30 leading from the relay 19 to the other service line S11. The circuit closer 31 associated with the relay 19 normally closes a circuit, partly shown at 33, for the main control switch (not shown) for the packaging machine, a part of which latter designated C is shown in FIG. 1.

The circuit 33 for the packaging machine is closed while the relay 19 is deenergized. The contacts 29 in the relay circuit are opposite similar contacts 34 in the conductor S8 for the solenoid actuated valve S3, the cam operated circuit closer 11 alternately engaging the contacts 29 and 34 during cyclical operation of the packaging machine. Inasmuch as the relay 19 while deenergized, maintains the circuit 33 for the packaging machine closed, it is seen that when the contacts 29 in the relay circuit are disengaged and the contents 34 are engaged, the circuit 33 for the packaging machine will be maintained closed while the circuit for the solenoid valve S3 is also closed to effect the screw-releasing actuation of the stop means S1 and S2. It is during this closing of the circuit for the solenoid valve S3 by the high lobe 11b of the cam 11a, that the stop means S1 and S2 are operable to cause discharge of the predetermined number of screws. Immediately thereafter the solenoid valve causes the stop means S1 and S2 to be positioned so that another predetermined number of screws will be advanced into position to be discharged.

It should be noted that the solenoid valve S3 is of the conventional spring-loaded type wherein immediately following the movement of the high lobe 11b of the cam 11a out of engagement with the spring-loaded circuit closer 11, and consequent movement of this circuit closer away from contacts 34, the circuit for the solenoid valve S3 is open and the spring in this valve then operates the valve to reverse the flow of air to the cylinders 13 of the stop means S1 and S2 whereby the stop portions 14a are positioned to permit a new group of screws D to slide into position between the two stop portions 14a.

It is desired that the light sensitive cells 16 be inoperable for closing the circuit for the relay 19 during the time that a new set of screws is allowed to slide into position between the two stop portions 14a. Accordingly, the cam 11a which, as shown in FIG. 10, is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, is provided with a dwell 110 which permits the spring-loaded circuit closer 11 to move out of engagement with the contacts 34 immediately following the movement of the high lobe 11b of the cam out of contact with the circuit closer 11. The dwell 110 will maintain the circuit closer 11 in the neutral position spaced from contact with the contact members 29 and 34, as shown by dotted lines in FIG. 10, during a part of each revolution of the cam. When the circuit closer 11 is in this neutral position, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 10, the circuits for the solenoid valve S3 and relay 19, respectively, are open. This permits the spring in the solenoid valve S3 to operate the valve to reverse the air flow to the stops S1 and S2 as aforesaid and also renders the light sensitive cells 16 inoperable. However, between the dwell 11c and the high lobe 11b, the cam 11a is provided with another dwell 11d which allows the spring-loaded circuit closer 11 to move into position engaging the contacts 29, and thereby renders the cells 16 subject to operation for energizing relay 19 should one of the screws be out of place. Accordingly, as soon as five screws have entered the space between the two stop means S1 and S2 and the dwell 11d of the cam engages the circuit closer 11, should any one of the five screws not be in proper predetermined position, the light cell for the out-of-place screw will become operative to close the circuit for the relay 19, thereby opening the circuit closer 31 so as to open the circuit 33 for the packaging machine and at the same time stopping the movement of the cam 11a which would bring about operation of the high lobe 11b to cause a screw releasing action of the stop means S1 and S2.

A separate circuit is provided for the electric lights 17 and includes a conductor 36 connected with the service conductor S10 through the fuse 24 and main switch 23. The conductor 36 is also connected with the filaments of the lights 17 through a series of switches 37. The switches 37 are manually operable and normally closed. The filament of each light 17 is connected to a conductor 38 which leads to the other service line S11. Since each light is controlled by a switch 37, it is seen that should the stop means S1 and S2 be adjusted to accommodate less than five screws therebetween, the switches for the corresponding lights 17 may be opened so that only that number of lights corresponding to the reduced predetermined number of screws to be discharged will be operative.

The electrical energy for the circuit 33 which operates the packaging apparatus C is supplied through a conductor 40 leading from the conductor 36 to the movable contact element 41 of the circuit closer 31 for the relay 19, thence through a stationary contact element 42 connected to one of the conductors of circuit '33. The circuit 33 is completed by connecting the other conductor thereof to the service conductor S11 through the conductor 38.

The hopper unit H which forms part of the means for advancing or feeding the screws to the position for discharge from the chute 1, serves primarily to maintain a predetermined storage supply of screws in the chute. Accordingly, the hopper unit includes a circular pan-like receptacle having interiorly thereof a spiral guide track 43 in which screws, after being deposited in the hopper, will be advanced to the discharge mouth 5, thence onto the chute 1, as a result of particular vibratory movements of the hopper.

The bottom wall of the hopper receptacle 44 is secured by suitable fastening means 45 upon a metal plate 47 to the underside of which is vulcanized or otherwise rigidly secured an annulus 48 of elastic rubber or synthetic rubber. A metal supporting ring 49 for the hopper receptacle 44 is positioned against the underside of the rubber annulus 48, which latter is also vulcanized or otherwise rigidly secured to the ring 49.

The support 3 for the hopper includes posts 50 fixed to the ring 49 and secured to or rested upon a suitable support 50a. With the hopper receptacle 44 supported in this manner, it is subject to being vibrated to feed the screws D onto the chute 1 and for this purpose a tubular stem or shaft 51 is fixed rigidly in any suitable manner to the center of the plate 47 and depends therefrom through the rubber annulus 48 and the ring 49. When the shaft 51 has imparted thereto, intermittently, forces which effect an angular or twisting movement thereof, the hopper receptacle 44 is vibrated relative to the fixed ring 49 in a manner causing the screws to be advanced in the guide track 43 to the hopper discharge mouth 5 from whence the screws will pass into the slot 4 in the chute and gravitate therealong. The slot 6 at the discharge mouth 5 of the hopper assures that the screws will be properly positioned as hereinbefore noted, before leaving the hopper and, therefore, will enter the slot 4 so as to be suspended therein by the heads of the screws.

As a means for vibrating or moving the hopper receptacle 40 so as to feed screws therefrom onto the chute 1, a pair of electromagnets 53 and 54 are mounted on the support 50a adjacent the shaft 51. These electromagnets are operatively associated with laminated armatures 53a and 54a carried by the bar 56 fixed to the shaft 5 1. The bar 56 is fitted in a slot 57 in the lower end of the stem and held in place by a fastening 58 so as to form like arms 56a and 56b projecting from opposite sides of the stem '51. The outer ends of the arms 56a and 5612 are slotted as at 560 to receive the laminated arrnatures 53a and 54a, the armatures being held in place by means of suitable fastenings 60.

The magnets '53 and 54 are operated alternately and so that one will eiiect a greater force than the other, thereby causing the hopper receptacle to be agitated in a manner causing directional advance of the screws in the guide track 43 to the discharge mouth of the hopper. In this connection, it should be noted that when the shaft '51 is twisted as a result of the operation of the magnets 53 and 54, the torsional efiect on the rubber annulus 4-8 is such as to cause the hopper receptacle 44 to be moved somewhat vertically and at the same time angularly about the axis thereof, thereby assuring effective agitation of the screws and advance thereot to the discharge mouth 5. The elasticity of the rubber annulus 48 also causes a return angular movement of the hopper receptacle 44, thereby enhancing the vibratory advancing or feeding action of the hopper. It should be noted that the combined supporting and agitating means for the hopper is simply constructed, compact and operable to reliably and accurately feed the screws onto the feed chute.

An additional article feed control means generally designated A1 is also provided to control the feed of the screws D from the hopper unit H, this control means also controlling the operation of the e-lectromagnets 53- and 54 for actuating the hopper. Accordingly, a light sensitive cell 63 enclosed in a suitable housing 64 is mounted in any suitable manner on the underside of the chute 1 at a predetermined distance from the upper end of the chute as well as at a predetermined distance from the stop means S2. This will provide between the light sensitive cell 63 and the stop means $2 a space for containing an adequate supply of screws, assuring uninterrupted operation of the feeding means. This also provides a screw advancing space between the upper end of the chute 1 and the point where the light sensitive cell 63 is positioned.

Opposite the cell 63 is an electric light =66 enclosed in a suitable housing 66a and mounted on the underside of the chute 1 in any suitable manner to cause a light ray to be impinged upon the cell 63 tor activation of the latter, whereby a circuit relay 68 will be rendered operable and inoperable. The purpose of the control means A1 is to stop the feeding operation of the hopper each time one of the screws D reaches the chute-filled position between the light 66 and the cell 63, since in this position a screw D will obstruct the light and prevent activation of the-cell for closing the circuit for the relay 68 The circuit for the cell 63 and relay 68 utilizes direct current and includes a conductor 67 leading from the direct current conductor 27 to a potentiometer 76, from which latter a conductor 67a leads to the cell 63. From the cell 63 a conductor 6711 leads to one side of the relay 68 and this relay is connected to the service line S11 through a conductor 67c, thereby completing the circuit for the cell 63 and relay 68. The potentiometer '70 provides for controlling the sensitivity of the cell 63 to obtain a faster or slower operation of the relay 63 and electromagnets 53 and 54 controlled by this relay, with resultant variation of the feed rate from the hopper receptacle 44.

The circuit for the electric light 66 includes a conductor 72 deriving electrical energy from the service line S11 through conductor 38, the light 66 being connected in series in the conductor 72, which latter leads to a stationary contact 74 of the circuit closer for the relay 68. A conductor 72 leads from conductor 72 to one side of the electromagnet 54. The movable contact 75 of the circuit closer for the relay 63, when engaged with contact 74, completes the circuit for the light 66 through a conductor 76 deriving its electrical energy from the other 10 service line S10 by connection to the conductor 36 leading to that service line.

Opposite the contact 74 is the other stationary contact 77 of the circuit closer for relay 68 and which is positioned to be engaged by the movable contact 75 upon energization of the relay 68, it being noted that the contact elements 75 and 74 are normally engaged and close the circuit for the light 66.

A conductor 78 leads from the contact 77 through a potentiometer 79, thence to one side of the electromagnet 53. The other side of the magnet 53 as well as the other side of the magnet 54 are connected by conductors to the relay circuit conductor 67c and service conductor S11 as at 67d. The potentiometer 79 makes it possible to vary the action of the electromagnet 53 so that the magnet 54 will exert a greater vibratory force than the magnet 53 whereby the vibratory action of the hopper is more effective to produce a directional movement of the screws toward the discharge mouth 5 of the hopper.

The relay 68 is energized each time one of the screws D in the chute 1 moves from a position blocking the ray from light 66 from activating the cell 63. Each time a screw D obstructs the passage of light against the cell 63, the relay 68 is deenergized and the movable contact returns to engagement with contact 74. With this arrangement it is seen that the energization and deenergization of the relay 68 will cause the movable contact 75 to move back and forth from engagement with the contacts 74 and 77, thereby effecting With the aid of the potentiometer 79 being appropriately adjusted, the alternate energization and deenergization of the electromagnets 53 and 54 and consequent vibratory movement of the hopper receptacle 44 in the manner hereinbefore described to feed screws onto the chute 1. During this cycle of operation the light 66 will be alternately on and off while the screws are not obstructing the light beam to the cell 63 since when the relay 68 makes and breaks the circuit for the electromagncts it also makes and breaks the circuit for the light 66.

With reference to the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, it will now be apparent that a feed control system embodying this invention including the novel automatically controlled hopper unit and its actuating means, readily may be installed for efiicient control of article feeding apparatus and apparatus for treating the articles fed thereto, in a manner making it unnecessary to maintain the control means and associated apparatus under observation of an attendant or operator to assure an accurate continuous operation of the entire apparatus for feeding a predetermined number of articles with each operation.

While specific structural details have been shown and described, it should be understood that changes and alterations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In article feeding apparatus; means for advancing a plurality of articles along a given path to a position where a number of said articles may be discharged, a first stop means normally positioned to prevent said discharge, a second stop means spaced from said first stop means and normally positioned to permit articles to advance into a space between said two stop means that will accommodate a plurality of said articles with each article disposed in a predetermined position, actuating means for moving said two stop means from and into said normal positions; electrically responsive means for controlling said actuating means; means providing an electrical circuit for said electrically responsive means including a plurality of light activated circuit control elements each located opposite one of said predetermined positions operable upon activation to render said circuit and said electrically responsive means operable to stop operation of said actuating means to prevent movement of said first and second stop means out of said normal positions; and means for directing light across said space toward each of said light activated circuit control elements so that said plurality of said articles when in said predetermined positions in said space will obstruct said light and prevent said activation of said light activated circuit control elements.

2. In article feeding apparatus; means for advancing a plurality of articles along a given path to a position where a number of said articles may be discharged, a first stop means normally positioned to prevent said discharge, a second stop means spaced from said first stop means and normally positioned to permit articles to advance into a space between said two stop means that will accommodate a plurality of said articles with each article of said plurality disposed in a predetermined position, actuating means for moving said two stop means from and into said normal positions; electrically responsive means for controlling said actuating means; means providing an electrical circuit for said electrically responsive means including a plurality of light activated circuit control elements each located opposite one of said predetermined positions and operable upon activation to render said circuit and said electrically responsive means operable to stop operation of said actuating means to prevent movement of said first and second stop means out of said normal positions; means for directing light across said space toward each of said light activated circuit control elements so that when any of said plurality of articles fails to occupy a predetermined position in said space, said light will effect said activation of one of said light activated circuit control elements; and means for selectively rendering any one or more of said light activated elements inoperable.

3. In article feeding apparatus; means for advancing a plurality of articles along a given path to a position where articles of said plurality may be discharged, a first stop means movable between a position preventing said discharge and a position permitting said discharge, a second stop means spaced from said first stop means and mov able between a position arresting advance of articles into the space in said path between said two stop means and a position permitting advance of articles into said space, actuating means for so moving said two stop means; electrically responsive means operable to stop and start said operation of said actuating means; means providing an electrical circuit for controlling said electrically responsive means including a plurality of light responsive circuit closer elements equally spaced one from the other along said space between said two stop means and operable upon activation for rendering said circuit and said electrically responsive means operable to stop the operation of said actuating means that would move said first stop means into said position permitting said discharge of articles and would move said second stop means into said advance arresting position; and means for directing light toward each of said light responsive circuit closer elements across said space in such a path that the light will be obstructed from activating said circuit closer elements only when a predetermined plurality of articles are disposed opposite said circuit closer elements in said space.

4. In article feeding apparatus; means for advancing a plurality of articles along a given path to a position where articles of said plurality may be discharged, a first stop means movable between a position preventing said discharge and a position permitting said discharge, a second stop means spaced from said first stop means and movable between a position arresting advance of articles into the space between said two stop means and a position permitting advance of articles into said space, actuating means for so moving said two stop means; control means for said actuating means comprising a plurality of light responsive circuit closers; means mounting said circuit closers on said advancing means between said two stop means and to one side of said path of movement of said articles; means on said advancing means for directing light beams across said path and toward said circuit closers; said circuit closers and said means for directing light beams being so disposed that when a predetermined plurality of articles are disposed in said space, the light beams will be blocked by said articles to prevent activation of said circuit closers; electrically responsive means including an electrical circuit controlled by said circuit closers and operable for stopping the operation of said actuating means that will move said stop means into position to effect said discharge of said predetermined number of articles, in the event one of the articles of said preetermined number is out of position to block a light beam directed toward one of said circuit closers; and timed circuit closing means operable at intervals for rendering said electrical circuit and electrically responsive means subject to operation that will cause said actuating means to move said stop means into position to eifect said discharge of said articles; said timed circuit closing means also operating between said intervals to render said electrical circuit inoperable during movement of said plurality of articles into said space.

'5. In article feeding apparatus; means for advancing a plurality of articles along a single predetermined path to a position where articles may be discharged, a first stop means movable between a blocking position preventing said discharge and a release position permitting said discharge, a second stop means spaced along said path from said first stop means a distance sufficient to accommodate a plurality of articles therebetween and movable between a blocking position arresting advance of articles into the space between said two stop means and a release position permitting advance of articles into said space, actuating means for so moving said two stop means that when one is moved to its blocking position the other is moved to its release position; feed control means operable in timed relation to said actuating means and in response to the presence of each article of said plurality of articles when in a predetermined position in said space and as a result of any one of said predetermined number of articles being out of its predetermined position, to render said actuating means operable and inoperable, respectively, for effecting said movements of said two stop means; said actuating means and said control means including means for rendering said control means and actuating means inoperable to cause said first stop means to release said articles during movement of articles into and from said space.

-6. In article feeding apparatus; chute means for guiding articles having a head and a shank along a predetermined path to a discharge position, said chute having a longitudinal slot and being configured to engage and support the heads of said articles while their shanks extend downwardly through said slot, a first stop means above said chute movable between a blocking position engaging the head of an article and preventing discharge of articles from said chute and a release position permitting discharge thereof, a second stop means above said chute spaced therealong from said first stop means and movable between a release position permitting a plurality of articles to advance into the space between said two stop means and a blocking position in the path of movement of said heads and arresting said advance, and actuating means for so moving said two stop means that when one is moved to its blocking position the other is moved to its release position, feed control means below said chute for detecting the presence of the shanks of each of the plurality of articles in said space in predetermined positions between said stop means and connected to render said actuating means operable to move said second stop means to its blocking position to arrest advance of articles into said space and to move said first stop means to its re- 13 lease position permit-ting the discharge of said plurality of articles.

7. 'In article feeding apparatus; chute means for guiding articles having a head and a shank along a predetermined path to a discharge position, said chute having a longitudinal slot and being configured to engage and support the heads of said articles while their shanks extend downwardly through said slot, a first stop means above said chute movable between a blocking position engaging the head of an article and preventing discharge oi articles from said chute and a release position permitting discharge thereof, a second stop means above said chute spaced the-realong from said first stop means and movable between a release position permitting a plurality of articles to advance into the space between said two stop means and a blocking position in the path of movement of said heads and arresting said advance, and actuating means for so moving said two stop means that when one is moved to its blocking position the other is moved to its release position, feed control means below said chute tor detecting the presence of the shanks of each of the plurality of articles in said space in predetermined positions between said stop means and connected to render said actuating means operable to move said second stop means into its blocking position to arrest advance of articles into said space and to move said first stop means into its release position permitting the discharge of said plurality of articles, and means embodied in said feed control means and operable in timed relation to said actuating means to render said feed control means inoperative during discharge of said articles from said space and feed of articles into said space.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,845,051 Latham Feb. 16, 1932 2,158,069 Grover May 16, 1939 2,382,863 Decker etal Aug. 14, 1945 2,571,576 Hopkins et a1. Oct. 16, 1951 2,713,446 Vaughan July 19, 1955 2,782,577 Beall 'Feb. 216 1967 2,827,158 Smith Mar. 18, 1958 2,845,168 Smith et a1. July 29, 1958 2,858,008 Dilts Oct. 28, 1958 2,943,428 Stroop July 5, 1960 

5. IN ARTICLE FEEDING APPARATUS; MEANS FOR ADVANCING A PLURALITY OF ARTICLES ALONG A SINGLE PREDETERMINED PATH TO A POSITION WHERE ARTICLES MAY BE DISCHARGED, A FIRST STOP MEANS MOVABLE BETWEEN A BLOCKING POSITION PREVENTING SAID DISCHARGE AND A RELEASE POSITION PERMITTING SAID DISCHARGE, A SECOND STOP MEANS SPACED ALONG SAID PATH FROM SAID FIRST STOP MEANS A DISTANCE SUFFICIENT TO ACCOMMODATE A PLURALITY OF ARTICLES THEREBETWEEN AND MOVABLE BETWEEN A BLOCKING POSITION ARRESTING ADVANCE OF ARTICLES INTO THE SPACE BETWEEN SAID TWO STOP MEANS AND A RELEASE POSITION PERMITTING ADVANCE OF ARTICLES INTO SAID SPACE, ACTUATING MEANS FOR SO MOVING SAID TWO STOP MEANS THAT WHEN ONE IS MOVED TO ITS BLOCKING POSITION THE OTHER IS MOVED TO ITS RELEASE POSITION; FEED CONTROL MEANS OPERABLE IN TIMED RELATION TO SAID ACTUATING MEANS AND IN RESPONSE TO THE PRESENCE OF EACH ARTICLE OF SAID PLURALITY OF ARTICLES WHEN IN A PREDETERMINED POSITION IN SAID SPACE AND AS A RESULT OF ANY ONE OF SAID PREDETERMINED NUMBER OF ARTICLES BEING OUT OF ITS PREDETERMINED POSITION, TO RENDER SAID ACTUATING MEANS OPERABLE AND INOPERABLE, RESPECTIVELY, FOR EFFECTING SAID MOVEMENTS OF SAID TWO STOP MEANS; SAID ACTUATING MEANS AND SAID CONTROL MEANS INCLUDING MEANS FOR RENDERING SAID CONTROL MEANS AND ACTUATING MEANS INOPERABLE TO CAUSE SAID FIRST STOP MEANS TO RELEASE SAID ARTICLES DURING MOVEMENT OF ARTICLES INTO AND FROM SAID SPACE. 